FOR anyone taking early steps of discovery on the life and works of the great writer, Thomas Hardy, then Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Wessex should be of interest.

I must confess that I am not by any means an expert or devotee of Hardy’s novels, having only watched Far From The Madding Crowd and a couple of other films. I did, however, find this book extremely interesting and enlightening.

The pages included scores of lovely colour photographs, a few black and white pictures and maps. There are also a number of short walks, which take in the locations, landmarks and dwellings of the many characters of the novels. The maps and directions include all the up to date information on the latest road alterations.

The final two chapters of the book contain useful appendices on place names and characters. Nearly everyone will recognise that the fictional Casterbridge relates to Dorchester and Budmouth masqueraded as Weymouth, but were you aware that Sutton Poyntz became Overcombe and Kingston Maurward transforms to Knapwater House?

There is also a useful listing of Hardy characters relating to the relevant works.

Dr Tony Fincham is vice-president of the Thomas Hardy Society and has studied in Hardy’s Wessex for 40 years and demonstrates his knowledge throughout this charming book.

n Exploring Thomas Hardy’s Wessex is available for £7.95 from the Dovecote Press. See dovecotepress.com

MIKE DAVIS